Mong Kok riots diverted tourists to Macau

Riot police advance on protesters on a Mong Kok street

Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), Peter Lam, has said that the Mong Kok riots during the CNY encouraged tourists to choose to visit Macau, media outlets in the neighboring region reported.
“During the Golden Week, Macau saw a 4.7 percent increase in tourist numbers, whereas Hong Kong saw a double-digit decline,” Lam said. He then asserted that “the decline proves that many visitors altered their destinations [as a result] of the riots.”
The HKTB office received numerous calls asking about security and safety in the Hong Kong region following the chaos in Mong Kok on February 9. According to Lam, the calls show that the incident has impacted the reputation of the region.
Last year, arrivals to Hong Kong totaled 59.3 million, a 2.5 percent drop compared to 2014. Mr Lam foresaw no significant changes in external factors, such as global economic climate or mainland policies. Consequently, he had only expected there to have been a 1.8 percent drop this year.
Anthony Lau, executive director of the HKTB, said that the department would be introducing a series of promotions aimed at families, such as providing free tickets and accommodation for children who travel with their relatives. Moreover, they will launch promotional products particularly to attract young visitors who make plans for short trips.